Governor Arnold Palacios is pushing for greater federal support for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, calling on the Department of the Interior to revisit funding distributions under sections 702 and 902 of the CNMI’s covenant with the U.S.

During a meeting in Washington D.C. with the Interagency Group for Insular Affairs, Palacios appealed to new Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, emphasizing the need for a stronger economic foundation that doesn’t rely on China.

He also voiced concern over limited 702 funds, which were meant to be the CNMI’s equivalent of other territories' financial support mechanisms, such as section 30 rebates for Guam. 

Palacios urged the administration to increase 702 allocations rather than redistributing existing funds.

The Governor also met with other Pacific leaders and state department officials to discuss regional security concerns.